Common Sense Media Review
By Weiting Liu
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, violence in Italian terminal-illness drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Family
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MY FAMILY, Fausto (Eduardo Scarpetta), a single father with a terminal illness, fights to ensure his two young sons will be cared for after he's gone. As his health declines, he reflects on his past, navigates complicated relationships, and leans on his family and friends for support. While dealing with grief, unresolved conflicts, and moments of joy, those around him must come together to create a hopeful future.
Is It Any Good?
This well-acted family drama offers a meaningful take on terminal illness and its ripple effects. My Family introduces its dynamic main cast with a meticulous cross-cutting opening sequence that weaves together their personalities and lives. As they come together, the non-linear storytelling gradually reveals their journey leading up to the present. The show also takes other risks, shifting from a romantic comedy early on to a heavy-handed melodrama—a mix that mostly works.
But My Family's most tear-jerking moments feel more like time fillers than gut punches. Ironically, it's the authentic, unsentimental moments—Fausto's humor in the face of death and the realistic strain of disability on a once-vibrant man—that hit hardest. Despite its ambition, the show is more effective as a decent character study than a full-blown tragicomedy, so don't expect to be completely swept away.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's depictions of single parenthood and terminal illness. Do you have friends and family that are in single-parent households and/or have chronic illnesses and disabilities? How can you support them?
How do the characters demonstrate empathy and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think of Fausto and Sara's relationship and co-parenting? What have they done right and what could they have improved on?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 19, 2025
- Cast : Eduardo Scarpetta , Gaia Weiss , Cristiana Dell'Anna
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 27, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate